as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the playful competition over who would get the new office turned into a real dogfight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dogfight
What is clear, however, is that Google’s latest Samsung-busting trade-in deal, and Apple’s brief trade-in promotion, shows that major smartphone manufacturers are in a discount dogfight.
—
Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
The Battle of Endor and death of Vader As the Imperial Fleet and the Rebellion dogfight in space, and Han, Leia, and Chewie battle Empire forces on the ground, Luke and Vader duel on Death Star II.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
Four days of fighting was marked by an extensive air battle, one of the largest dogfights since World War II, before the two nuclear rivals reached a ceasefire agreement following U.S. diplomatic efforts.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Pakistan, which said the planes had bombed an empty hillside and not a camp, launched a retaliatory incursion into Indian airspace that led to a dogfight between the two air forces, leading to the capture of an Indian pilot.
—Asif Shahzad, USA Today, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dogfight
Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
The Battle of Endor and death of Vader As the Imperial Fleet and the Rebellion dogfight in space, and Han, Leia, and Chewie battle Empire forces on the ground, Luke and Vader duel on Death Star II.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
Four days of fighting was marked by an extensive air battle, one of the largest dogfights since World War II, before the two nuclear rivals reached a ceasefire agreement following U.S. diplomatic efforts.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Pakistan, which said the planes had bombed an empty hillside and not a camp, launched a retaliatory incursion into Indian airspace that led to a dogfight between the two air forces, leading to the capture of an Indian pilot.
—Asif Shahzad, USA Today, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dogfight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogfight
Noun
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The dwindling embers of the Boise State-University of Idaho rivalry will receive a spark later this year.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Aug. 2025
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This fight is the catalyst for one of the longest-running rivalries in the story.—
Devin Robertson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking a judge to jail Beto O'Rourke, claiming the former Democratic congressman violated a court order by fundraising to support the dozens of state Democratic lawmakers who have fled the state amid its redistricting battle.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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The Defense Department has awarded BAE Systems’ shipyard in San Diego a $64.1 million contract for repairs, maintenance and upgrades on the USS O’Kane, a Burke-class destroyer that helped protect the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group during a long deployment that ended in February.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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During the panel, Christensen looked back on the duo's most iconic face-off, the duel on Mustafar from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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Every tackle, turnover, pressure, victorious duel, dribble and away error was roared on in an evening which could only reassure the Leeds faithful.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For the first time in decades, traditional sports face real competition for the next generation of fans, many of whom are trading physical arenas for virtual ones.—
Jennifer Acree,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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HIs main competition, Rhamondre Stevenson, had but one TD run in his last seven games of ‘24.—
Kevin Cusick,
Twin Cities,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Busby makes not a single allusion, nor even a hint, at the wholesale destruction, misery and pain of not hundreds, but thousands of African-American families attributable to Hoover’s vicious stranglehold on the city’s South and West sides in the name of drug warfare for untold years.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
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But even in the face of evolving modes of warfare, airpower’s inherent advantages endure.—
DAVID A. DEPTULA,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Neal has been inconsistent and has had some health struggles.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
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Having high profile people who presumably have access to resources talk about their struggles also is a reminder that these issues are hard for everyone.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Despite Azerbaijan’s obvious victory, an actual peace agreement has evaded the two sides since the September 2023 war.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Aug. 2025
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Both wars for territory and the destabilization of neighbors swiftly destroy wealth.—
S. C. M. Paine,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Continuation of the war would mean more of Europe's time, money, and military aid is needed to support Ukraine, and threatens to lead to a direct NATO-Russia confrontation on the continent, with potentially catastrophic consequences.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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But a confrontation with Doreen near the end that becomes a self-reckoning for Lynette undersells the pathos.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dogfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogfight. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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